What I’ve Been Reading

Words like hilarious, heart-felt, and enthralling may seem like odd descriptors for a memoir about working in a crematory, but Caitlin Doughty’s coming-of-age story are all of these things and more. Written in prose reminiscent of an extended chat with an eloquent, thoughtful best friend, Doughty describes her time in the crematory while interspersing the history of undertaking and cremation and interesting stories of funereal practices from around the world. A book that challenges us to rethink how we deal (or don’t deal) with our dead in Western society; this is a beautifully written, fascinating read.